Increased commitment to renewable energies
Wind farm near Agrigento, Sicily (I)
In addition to large-scale power plants and energy efficiency, Alpiq is also stepping up investments in renewable energies: for example, in wind power projects in Italy and Bulgaria as well as the construction and operation of small hydroelectric power stations in Norway and Switzerland. Alpiq is also involved in a major research project in Germany through one of its subsidiaries.
Alpiq promotes wind energy and hydro power
Together with Alpiq EcoPower Ltd., founded at the end of 2006, Alpiq has earmarked CHF 200 million for the construction of small hydroelectric power stations in Switzerland. Several dozen projects are currently being examined. In Norway, Alpiq is investing another CHF 200 million in acquiring and building small hydroelectric power stations. Three such power stations in the north of Italy belong to the Alpiq Group, which also holds stakes in several small hydroelectric power stations in France.
In Italy, Alpiq already has a strong commitment to renewable energy. The portfolio on Sicily includes several wind farms and solar installations with a capacity of around 120 MW. A 50 MW wind farm is under construction in Bulgaria, and Alpiq operates a wind farm near Montelimar in France.
Kraftanlagen München GmbH (KAM) of Germany is a subsidiary of Alpiq Group member AAT, and the general contractor responsible for planning and building the Jülich experimental solar thermal power plant. This will be the first solar-heated power plant of its type in Germany and represents a milestone in the move towards CO2-free electricity generation. The investors hope that the plant will produce new findings on solar technology, which can be used to open up new sales markets.
Alpiq engages in renewable energies in these areas:
Hydroelectricity
Hydroelectricity is the Alpine region's most important renewable energy source. In Switzerland and abroad, Alpiq continually invests in the construction and operation of hydroelectricity stations and their optimal use.
Wind energy
Varying wind conditions put increased demands on utilisation of the electrical energy extracted from the air currents. Alpiq can make optimal use of the potential in wind energy thanks to a flexible power station porfolio and access to an in-house trading floor.
Solar energy
The sun's energy is converted to solar electricity using photovoltaic technology. Or solar radiation is collected and used as thermal energy using solar thermal systems. Alpiq is the technology supplier for an experimental solar thermal power plant, and is investing in a solar farm on Sicily.
